Alex Song could take a couple of steps back to partner Koscielny or Ignasi Miquel could be drafted in to make his senior debut, unless Sebastien Squillaci has made a miraculous recovery then it looks as if that is Arsene’s only real possibilities, unless larger re-jigs were on the managers mind which would only be used in emergency

A replay against Leeds United in the FA cup away at Elland road will bring back plenty of memories for many an Arsenal fan today. This was certainly a popular fixture during the late eighties, early nineties when both clubs were competing at the top end of English football. The demise of Leeds United due to poor club management has meant that this massive fixture has been missed over the years. Simon Grayson has attempted to stoke the fires with his comments about Theo Walcott but I get the feeling that the atmosphere will already be red hot.

The home side have been playing well of late and will give everything they have to overcome an Arsenal side that is very likely to be rotated after brushing aside West Ham on the weekend.

It is anyone’s guess as to what team Arsene will select this evening, especially after the below par performances in recent rotated teams against Leeds at home and then Ipswich away.

Our attack looked bereft of ideas and lacked imagination in those games with both Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie being left out of those two squads. The fact that they played no part in those games makes me believe that at least one of them will be sufficiently rested to take part in the game tonight.

Bacary Sagna has completed his three match ban after pushing his head against Manchester City’s Zabaleta and will almost certainly be brought back to his usual right back spot. Johan Djourou who looked short of his best form against West Ham will almost certainly be rested which does not give Arsene Wenger many options to select from.

Alex Song could take a couple of steps back to partner Koscielny or Ignasi Miquel could be drafted in to make his senior debut, unless Sebastien Squillaci has made a miraculous recovery then it looks as if that is Arsene’s only real possibilities, unless larger re-jigs were on the managers mind which would only be used in emergency.

Tomas Rosicky is back in the squad and could start in place of Cesc Fabregas if the managers believes that his hamstrings may need a break. You would expect Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh to all be in contention for a start but I am not so sure that they can all play together in the same team, especially if one of Nasri or Van Persie get the green light from the boss to start.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

For once I shall not attempt to guess the line up as I will no doubt get it wrong.  We will mix up the team from the game at Upton Park but it is impossible to know which players will be brought back and which ones will come in. I expect a strong team but it is difficult to guess how strong.

One to watch: Laurent Koscielny

After a recent dip in form, I think Koscielny has picked up the baton and has churned out some very good performances alongside Johan Djourou. It is likely that he will have an unfamiliar partner tonight and he will need to take on plenty of responsibility as the home side will try to give ‘it a go’ in front of their fans. Much of our attacking football starts from the back and Koscielny is an excellent footballer who gives the midfield very good passes but it is his defensive work that will have to be spot on.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction:

Leeds United 1 Arsenal 2 (Arshavin, Nasri)

It will be a very tough game tonight and depending on the line up and attitude to the game, it can go either way. We will have to be at our best if we are to come away with a positive result. Arsene has publicly asked the team to be sharper in their approach and that is correct. If we move the ball around quickly then we have a good chance but if our team is packed full of players lacking match sharpness then we could easily be dumped out of the competition.

COME ON THE ARSENAL